GTrans Service Restoration Plan (6/22)
GTrans Restoration Plan Summary:
(Updated June 2022)
Over the last few years, GTrans had to quickly adapt to the impacts of COVID-19 and the federal, state and local mandates that were implemented to stop the spread of the virus. Working through the restrictions, GTrans’ service remained a lifeline for many who needed to take essential trips to medical appointments, essential jobs, grocery store, etc. Through these challenges, GTrans was able to deliver service safely, protecting our employees and customers with rear-door boarding, physical distancing, facemask requirements and capacity restrictions.
In response to reduced ridership and constraints due to manpower shortages, GTrans reduced its service significantly. However, with vaccination rates now improving and most of the restrictions lifted, GTrans has been working on a plan to restore service to pre-pandemic levels. The Gardena City Council approved a set of service improvements following extensive public outreach in late 2019 that were to go into effect in early 2020. However, because of the pandemic the approved service changes were not implemented.
Because manpower and ridership continue to improve at a slower pace, GTrans has had to stagger the restoration of its service. Even as of October 2021, GTrans has had to delay implementation of adjustments to its planned service restoration on Lines 1X, 3 and 5 because of unprecedented staffing challenges, which are not unique to GTrans and affect transit agencies nationwide. GTrans is currently hiring and training bus operators to aid in the restoration of this service.
Below is a summary of how GTrans plans to bring back most of its service to pre-COVID-19 levels, and a few ways that GTrans can provide better service for customers.
Line 1X
Currently, Line 1X is running the weekend schedule on weekdays; Saturday and Sundays have continued on their normal schedule. The plan is to restore service to 2019 City Council-approved levels and resume traveling to downtown Los Angeles during peak periods only. As approved, there will be no service to downtown between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Line 2
Weekday service was restored to 2019 City Council-approved levels on April 18, 2021. This service currently operates every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends.
Line 3
Currently, Line 3 is running the weekend schedule on weekdays; Saturday and Sundays have continued on their normal schedule. The plan is to restore service to pre-COVID levels, to include 2019 City Council approved weekend service offering Saturday service between 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Sunday between 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Service to Bishop Montgomery High resumed for morning and afternoon service.
Line 4
On August 17, 2021, limited morning and afternoon service on school days was restored and will continue into the new academic year.
Regular Line 4 service is on hold until further noticed.
Line 5
Currently, Line 5 is running a modified weekday schedule with a 60-minute frequency. The plan is to restore service to its regular pre-pandemic schedule, operating on weekdays only between 4:35 a.m. and 8:57 p.m.
Line 7X
GTrans implemented Sunday service to the Inglewood Sports and Entertainment District out of the Harbor Gateway Transit Center on September 12, 2021. The line has become a permanent part of the GTrans’ fleet. A new schedule will be effective on July 24, 2022.
New Microtransit Service
GTrans is exploring a new microtransit service that will be presented for City Council consideration, which will improve our Special Transit program and provide new access to all customers with origins and destinations within the City of Gardena. This on-demand, rideshare service uses “virtual stops” from which customers would be able to take short trips using small vehicles. Trips will be scheduled on-demand using a phone, a computer or a smart phone app.
GTrans Restoration Plan Summary Table: Please click to view image.
PREVIOUS PUBLIC MEETINGS
Thursday, March 31, 2022 at 6:00 p.m. Public Hearing on Line 7X & Child Fare Policy Change Presentation (Includes an update on the Restoration Plan)
Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. Service Restoration Plan Public Meeting Presentation
